Added: 04/26/2006 |
A Vacation in Navarre -- An Array of Choices for Sightseeing and FunThe history of the ancient kingdom of Navarre has always been marked by its bordering location with France, Castile, Aragon and Baskland, and the fact that it is crossed by the pilgrim way Camino de Santiago is an additional reason for extraordinary monumental richness you'll find in Navarre. Its beautiful towns, like Artajona which is surrounded by medieval walls, Estella, Olite, formerly seat of Navarre's kings, Tudela and Roncesvalles always are worth a visit. The region's capital, Pamplona, a quiet and pleasant city, is world-famous for the Running of Bulls which forms part of its most famous festival, Sanfermines.
Other very peculiar folkloristic attractions are the Navarrese Carnivals with their typical Zanpantzarrak. Navarre is not a large province but can be divided up into three very distinct main areas: la Montana, the mountainous north, the mountain range of the Pyrenees with exceptional landscapes; la Zona Media, the Middle Zone, with impressive landscapes and canyons; and la Ribera, the Ebro basin in the south of Navarre, a plain land with small lagoons and the fertile valley of Ebro river.
Navarre province has a strong Basque tradition, and has managed to preserve its own government and identity. Romans, Christians, Muslims, and Jews have all left their mark in Navarre, and its architecture is as diverse as its landscape.
The visitors to this region find many interesting attractions in Navarre. Catedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda, constructed on top of an earlier Romanesque church, is known for its broad naves and twin towers. It also has vaulting from the 1400s, although the baroque facade dates from 1742. Inside, visitors can see its 1762 Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, built in an octagonal shape with rococo adornments.
Iglesia de Santa Maria de Palacio is a 12th-century palace. It once was part of a royal palace, and dates back to 1130, when Alfonso VII offered his residence to the Order of the Holy Sepulcher. There is still a pyramid-shaped spire from the 13th century here.
Palacio Real, located in the town of Olite, the tower and lookouts make visiting the palace an adventure. In the 15th century, the Gothic town of Olite was a favorite address for the kings of Navarre.
Charles III put Olite on the map, ordering that the palace be built in 1406. This is an interesting sightseeing activity in Navarre for visitors of all ages.
Monasterio de la Oliva was founded by King Garcia Ramirez in 1164, and is an excellent example of Cistercian architecture. This monastery was one of the first to be constructed by French monks outside France. It is presently the most notable feature is its 14th-century Gothic cloisters. The late 12th-century church is very impressive too. It has a distinguished portal and two rose windows. Pillars and pointed arches fill its interior.
The cuisine in Navarre has an excellent reputation and is extremely varied. Specialties from the mountain-ranges are several preparations of game, usually in tasty sauces, as well as salmon and trout. Pochas de Sanguesa, is a very delicious kind of beans, of high reputation, and it is the base of many typical dishes.
Navarre is an ideal place if you want to spend you holidays in Spain.
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